Personal Art Blog

Sharing the lessons I teach at the Artist Guild and the personal discoveries in my art.

Monday, December 16, 2013

In Memory of a Devoted Companion

Our wonderful and amazing dog, Kat,
had to be put to sleep on Saturday morning.
She had cancer - lymphoma.
She was a Blue Heeler, remarkable in her tenacity
to carry on and only when her breathing became
very difficult did we see the joy go out of her.
The joy has gone out of our lives too,
but we will do what Debbie Nolan suggested in her
sensitive comment yesterday and only
remember the love and fun she brought into our lives
for 14 years, and for those we are deeply grateful.

Below is a large painting featuring Kat. It was
painted about 12 years ago when she was only young.
It records how in the studio she used to wait for
about two hours of my painting time
then sit and look at her leash - look at me then
back at the leash...on and on until I couldfeel her vibes. So I painted her doing just that -
staring at her leash. Titled Time For A Walk,
This painting of her was
included in The New Creative Artist by
Nita Leland...happily
Kat will live on in this book.

I am a painter living in Las Cruces, NM. After many years as an illustrator I turned to fine art to develop my own artistic voice. I currently teach talented and enthusiastic artists in oil, acrylic and egg tempera painting. I am also a member of the Artist Guild of Southern New Mexico.

42 comments:

I am so sorry Julie for your loss. We have traveled the same path and it is not an easy one. I feel like I visited with you today as I sat and rewatched your fracturing video. Amazing. Thank you. Remember the smiles...........

Oh, Julie - my thoughts are with you and your husband. Pets are so much a part of the family and it's so, so difficult to say good-bye. I know your little Kat had a wonderful, joyous life because of you - just as she brought joy and wonder to your lives. Wishing you peace and comfort at this time of loss.

You poor thing Julie, our dogs are such a big part of our family and when we lost one a few years ago it took me such a long time to get over it. The painting shows how important a part of your life she was. Heelers are wonderful dogs, here in Australia they are such popular family dogs and there has been a few amongst our extended family, best wishes :) Leesa

Oh Julie...so sorry about your loss. We lost our dog to cancer a few years ago, I know just how you are feeling, it's a terrible loss. Your painting is beautiful, I hope it is a comfort and helps you remember all the love and fun you had with her.

Oh Julie...I am so sorry to hear about Kat. Losing our furry family members hurts as much as losing people. She sounds amazing and I am so glad you had her for as long as you did. I love her painting too; they do have a way of communicating with us, don't they?

I have been thinking of you Julie...what a beautiful dog Kat was. And what a sweet capture you achieved with your painting. I would write down all the things you love about her so you never forget. You probably won't forget anyways, but it's good to have it down. BIG Hug.

Dear Julie- My heart goes out to you and I can feel how very special Kat was to y'all. She is at peace and no longer suffering and you can take some comfort in that. We lost a precious pet a few years ago and it was so very hard- they just grab your hearts in such a special way. It took us a long time but we did find peace and remember her and what happiness she brought to our lives. Peace and Blessings for you and your husband...Big hugs too!

I am sorry for your loss. My Gigi had cancer also and passed away in August. She was a beautiful Corgi that had been abandoned in a park. She was my blessing for six years. They are a joy in our lives and an ache when they leave us.

There really isn't anything more or different that I can say to you that hasn't already been said to try to help ease this heart-rending loss. It's true...it really is no different than losing a beloved person in your life. It'll take some time, some tears and lots of love for each other, but not long from now you and your husband will be able to smile and laugh at some of the memories you have of Kat. Your spectacular painting will keep her with you forever, and that's such a good feeling. God bless.

Dear Julie, I am so very very sorry for the loss of Kat. There's nothing I can say to ease the pain, except to say you are in my thoughts. It, to me, is the same as losing a person. We become so very close and dependent upon their presence. We both know that she's sitting right beside you right now, easing the pain as much as she can. I want to say that 14 years is a long time, but when you love a family member so much, eternity isn't long enough. Take good care and sending you a huge virtual hug and much love.

Dear Julie - Kat was beautiful and I am so glad you had her for all those wonderful years. She will live on not only in your gorgeous painting but always in your heart my friend. I am sending you a heartfelt hug.

Such a big sorrow to loose our beloved pets , but of course we know time will heal...it always does , or at least it makes the sorrow bearable. What a wonderful moment you captured in this painting ...the door already ajar, wonderful ! Sending you warm thoughts.

I am so so sorry for the loss of Kat, Julie! I can see from this beautiful portrait that he was a very devoted companion!. I get very teary when I see his eyes....My thoughts are with you in this very sad time!!!

Sorry about seeing this so late, Julie.My heartfelt condolences to you and your husband.I know first hand how traumatic this experience can be. I lost both of my pets a year apart. One at 14 yrs. old, and one at 15. It was really tough. But all you can do is remember the times they brought you smiles and their unconditional love. Hold that in your heart.Blessings to you in this Christmas Season.

I love that you are taking the time to comment and thank you for it. I am sure other readers will enjoy them too. If you cannot comment through this format then email me at juliefordoliver@gmail.comCheers,Julie